JP2019034217A - Server system - Google Patents

Abstract

To propose a mechanism capable of achieving interest experienced by an actual business-use game device in which a game situation is changed in a crane game, a pusher game, and the like in virtual game play.SOLUTION: Other players 5d browse a game situation of a virtual game device in which players 5c play a game, and can reserve game play in the virtual game device. When the game situation of the virtual game device is browsed, a browsing mark 36 for indicating that other players are performing browsing is displayed with the number of browsing persons 37 on a game screen W3 of the players 5c playing the game in the virtual game device. When the game play is reserved in the virtual game device, a reservation mark for indicating that reservation is made by other players is displayed with the number of reservation persons on a game screen of players who are performing the game play in the virtual game device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a server system that is communicatively connected to a player terminal.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, games that are enjoyed by connecting to a game server via a network such as the Internet are known, and in recent years, so-called social games provided on SNS (Social Networking Service) are remarkable (for example, patents) Reference 1).

JP 2007-206823 A

  In recent years, most social games are designed on the assumption that they will be executed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. In order to make it easy to play at a time convenient for the player, one game is repeated repeatedly. Many game specifications are often adopted.

  On the other hand, a business game device that acquires real prizes such as a crane game, or a business medal game device in which a large number of real medals placed in the game space are moved by a pusher mechanism. (Pusher game) is also popular. Therefore, when a game play on such a game device for business is virtually realized by a social game, it is considered that the specification of repeated game play is suitable for a social game.

  However, in the game device for business use, the game situation such as the position of prizes and medals changes with each game play, and an unspecified number of players can play, so the game situation of the previous player remains the same. It is interesting that you can start gameplay. For this reason, if each game play is a game play from the initial state, or if you can save the game play and play the continuation of the previous game at any time, the fun will be halved compared to the actual business game device .

  Further, in the case of a business game device, an event such as being seen by another player or waiting in turn by another player occurs. While he wants to get good results while he is playing the game, he will play the game while experiencing the pressure that the game situation will be handed over to other players if he fails. Such a phenomenon is also one of the best things when playing a game machine for business use.

  The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and the purpose of the present invention is the fun that can be enjoyed with an actual business game device in which the game situation such as a crane game or a pusher game changes. It is to propose a mechanism that can be realized by virtual game play. Further, the second object is to take into account the interestingness unique to virtual game play while following the fun of an actual game device for business use.

The first invention for solving the above-described problems is
It is possible to communicate with a plurality of player terminals (for example, the player terminal 2000 in FIG. 1), and in accordance with operation input at one player terminal, the game situation is changed by each game play, and the next game play is changed to the previous game play. A server system (for example, the game server 100 in FIG. 1) that controls execution of a game that takes over the game situation,
When a request for viewing the game status of the game play is received from another player during the game play of one player, the view for notifying the player terminal of the player during the game play that the view request has been made Request notification means (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13);
A game status disclosing means (for example, the browsing management unit 226 in FIG. 13) for disclosing the game status of the one player in response to the browsing request;
Is a server system.

  According to the first aspect, in a game in which the game situation changes by each game play, the game situation of each game play is taken over by the next game play. Further, when a viewing request is made by another player during the game play of one player, the fact is notified to the one player and the game status of the game play of the one player is disclosed to the other player. . In other words, the game situation that you created is public, and you will recognize the existence of other players who are watching your gameplay, so you don't want to pass on the game situation to other players Then, it is necessary to continue playing the game. Such emotions are emotions that are close to game play on an actual business game device, and can foster a feeling as if you are playing a game in front of onlookers on an actual business game device. .

As a second invention, in the first invention,
The onlooker presence notification means causes the player terminal to perform display according to the number of players viewed.
A server system may be configured.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, display corresponding to the number of players viewed is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, for a single player, in the real world, even though there are no other players around you, in addition to the presence or absence of onlookers, you can visually feel the number of onlookers. You can feel as if you are playing a game machine for business use, such as feeling pressure one by one.

As a third invention, in the first or second invention,
Reservation registration means (for example, reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for registering a reservation for the next game play of the one player by another player while the one player is playing the game.
It is good also as comprising the server system provided further.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, reservation registration by another player is possible during game play of one player. As a result, it is possible to simulate an event waiting for game play in a business game device.

As a fourth invention, in the third invention,
Reservation registration notification means (for example, reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) for notifying the one player that reservation registration has been performed by the reservation registration means;
It is good also as comprising the server system provided further.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, when the reservation registration is performed, one player is notified. That is, from the viewpoint of one player, after the player's own game play, the player knows that the other player is waiting for the turn. You can taste a feeling like this.

As a fifth invention, in the fourth invention,
The reservation registration notifying unit causes the player terminal to display according to the number of reserved players.
A server system may be configured.

  According to the fifth aspect, display corresponding to the number of reserved players is performed on the player terminal of one player. Therefore, from the viewpoint of one player, in the real world, there is no other player around you, but there is a waiting time after playing your game, and the number of people waiting for the order is limited. Can also be felt visually, so that it is possible to feel as if an actual business game device is being played, such as feeling pressure in each game play.

The sixth invention is the server system of any of the third to fifth inventions,
After completion of the game play of the one player, a reservation performance notification means (for example, reservation management in FIG. 13) for notifying the player terminal of the reserved player that the game play is possible according to the registration order by the reservation registration means. Part 228),
You may comprise the server system further provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the invention, after the game play of one player is completed, the reserved player is notified that the game play is possible, so that the reserved player can immediately start the game play. it can. As a result, after the game play is completed, it is possible to create a state like an actual business game device in which the next game play is started by replacing the player waiting for the turn.

A seventh invention is a server system according to the sixth invention,
During the given priority reception period from the game play of the one player, further comprising priority reception means (for example, the reservation management unit 228 in FIG. 13) that preferentially receives a game play request from the one player,
The reservation performance notification means notifies the player terminal of the reserved player that game play is possible after the priority acceptance period has elapsed.
A server system may be configured.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, after the game play by one player is completed, it is notified that the reserved player game play is possible after the priority reception period has elapsed.
In other words, it is possible to decide whether or not to continue the next game play during the priority acceptance period in which the game play request is accepted with priority after the game play is completed.

As an eighth invention, in the first to seventh inventions,
A virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game,
A server system may be configured.

  According to the eighth aspect, a virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game. Such a game achieves the purpose of acquiring game media such as prizes and medals by continuously playing the game multiple times, and the game situation such as the placement position of the game media in the game space is passed over time. The method of prompting game play by resetting by means of the function effectively functions.

As a ninth invention, in any one of the first to eighth inventions,
The game execution control means causes the player terminal to execute the game.
A server system may be configured.

  According to the ninth aspect, the game is executed on the player terminal. For this reason, processing relating to game progress / situation changes can be executed on the player terminal side, so that the load on the server system can be distributed and reduced.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a game system. An example of a player terminal. An example of a game screen. Explanatory drawing of the taking over of a game condition. Explanatory drawing of browsing of the game situation. An example of a game screen when reserved. An example of the next game end screen. An example of a game device list screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. An example of a browsing screen. The function block diagram of a game server. 3 is a data configuration example of player management data. The data structural example of virtual game device management data. The functional block diagram of a player terminal. The flowchart of the browsing and reservation management process in a game server. The flowchart of the virtual game device management process in a game server. The flowchart of the process in a player terminal. 19 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. The other example of a game device list screen.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, although the case where a crane game is performed in a network game system is demonstrated, embodiment which can apply this invention is not limited to this.

[overall structure]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a game system in the present embodiment. The game system includes a game server 1000 that can be connected to the communication line 1 and a player terminal 2000 prepared for each player. The communication line 1 means a communication path capable of data communication. That is, the communication line 1 is meant to include a communication network such as a telephone communication network, a cable network, and the Internet in addition to a dedicated line (dedicated cable) for direct connection, a LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark), and the like. The communication method may be wired or wireless.

  The game server 1000 is a server system configured to include one or a plurality of server devices, storage devices, and the like. The game server 1000 provides various services for operating the network game according to the present embodiment and is necessary for executing the game. Client programs and data can be distributed.

  The player terminal 2000 is a computer, and is an electronic device realized by, for example, a smartphone, a portable game device, a home game device, a personal computer, a tablet computer, or the like. The player terminal 2000 can connect to the communication line 1 via a mobile phone base station, a wireless communication base station, or the like, and perform data communication with the game server 1000.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a smartphone which is an example of the player terminal 2000. As illustrated in FIG. The player terminal 2000 includes a direction input key 2002, a home key 2004, a touch panel 2006, a speaker 2010, a microphone 2012, a GPS antenna 2014, a control board 2018, and a memory card 2032 that is a computer-readable storage medium. A memory card reader 2030 that can read and write data is provided. In addition, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, etc., not shown, are provided.

  The control board 2018 is mounted with various microprocessors such as CPU, GPU and DSP, and various IC memories such as ASIC, VRAM, RAM and ROM. The control board 2018 is equipped with a wireless communication module 2020 for wireless communication with a mobile phone base station and a GPS module 2022. Further, the control board 2018 includes a circuit for receiving signals from the direction input key 2002 and the home key 2004, a driver circuit for the touch panel 2006, a circuit for generating a sound signal collected by the microphone 2012, and a memory card reader 2030. A so-called I / F circuit (interface circuit) or the like is mounted. Each element mounted on the control board 2018 is electrically connected via a bus circuit or the like so that data can be read and written and signals can be transmitted and received.

[Game Overview]
In the game system of this embodiment, a crane game is performed. This crane game is configured to virtually reproduce a crane game device that is an arcade game device installed in an actual game center or the like.

  FIG. 3 is an example of the game screen W1 displayed on the player terminal 2000. On the game screen W1, a state of a game space (game space) in a virtual crane game device (hereinafter referred to as “virtual game device”) is displayed. On the field 12 in the game space, one large prize 14 is arranged substantially at the center, and a large number of small prizes 16 are arranged so as to fill the periphery of the large prize 14. The large prize 14 and the small prize 16 are collectively referred to as a prize. These prizes can be said to be game media. A prize drop opening 18 that is an opening is formed in front of the field 12, and the prize drop opening 18 is provided with a chucker 20 that detects a fallen prize. However, the virtual chucker 20 is assumed to be detected by the fact that the prize has passed through a predetermined position in an actual internal calculation.

  In the upper part of the game space, a crane device 22 for holding a prize is provided. The crane device 22 includes a main body portion 22a that can move in the front-rear direction and the vertical direction, and a pair of arms 22b that are attached to the lower portion of the main body portion 22a and operate so as to be sandwiched from the left and right.

  A roulette 24 is provided in the back of the game space. When a prize that is dropped by the chucker 20 is detected, a lottery is performed by the roulette 24, and when the outcomes are aligned, the prize is won and a predetermined privilege is obtained. The benefits here are contents that are advantageous for the acquisition of prizes. For example, it relates to the setting of the crane device 22 such that the arm 22b increases the force (arm force) to pinch the prize, the arm 22b closes narrower (arm width), and the claw portion at the tip of the arm 22b widens. It is.

  An operation icon 30 for operating the crane device 22 is displayed at the bottom of the game screen W1. The player operates the crane device 22 by operating the operation icon 30 in the same manner as in an actual crane game apparatus, and drops the large prize 14 to the prize dropping port 18 and aims to acquire it. For example, the main part 22a is moved backward by the first operation to perform positioning in the front-rear direction, and the left and right arms 22b are moved toward the center by the second operation to increase the left-right width of the left and right arms 22b. Decide. Up to here is the operation input of the player. Then, the main body portion 22a is lowered to a predetermined height, and the left and right arms 22b are further closed (moved) toward the center by a predetermined width (predetermined movement amount). Then, with the space between the left and right arms 22b maintained, the main body portion 22a moves upward, moves forward, returns to its original position, and then a series of operations such as opening the arms 22b is automatically executed.

  Note that the operations of these game devices, in particular the operation of the crane device 22 and the calculation of prize placement, are executed as a virtual simulation. For example, a virtual weight is set in advance for each prize, and the arm forces of the left and right arms 22b are also set virtually. Then, gripping of the arm 22b, movement / dropping of prizes, interference between prizes, and the like are calculated by known physical calculation processing.

  In addition, a viewpoint switching icon 32 for switching the viewpoint for viewing the game space and the number 34 of tickets held by the player are displayed at the top of the game screen W1.

  As the viewpoint, three viewpoints for viewing the game space of the virtual game device from, for example, the front, the right side, and the left side are set, and a game screen in which the game space is viewed from each viewpoint by operating the viewpoint switching icon 32 The display switches to W1.

  The number of tickets 34 is displayed together with the maximum number (MAX) of tickets that can be held. The ticket is a virtual play medium that can be used in the game, and one game play can be performed by using (consuming) one ticket. Each time a predetermined recovery time (for example, 60 minutes) elapses, the ticket increases (recovers) one by one up to a predetermined upper limit number. Further, it can be acquired by charging without waiting for recovery over time, or can be acquired by using a predetermined charging item.

  In the crane game of the present embodiment, a plurality of virtual game devices are prepared (installed) like an actual game center, and these are shared by a plurality of players. That is, the player selects a vacant virtual game device (the other player is not playing the game) from among the plurality of virtual game devices and plays the game.

  Further, the game situation at the end of the game play in a certain virtual game device is handed over to the next game play in the virtual game device. Here, the game situation represents the state of the game space, and specifically, the arrangement position of each prize, the setting of the arm force and arm width of the crane device 22, the size of the claw, and the like. And the game situation at the time of completion | finish of a game play is the state in which the said privilege was applied, when the privilege by the roulette 24 was acquired in the said game play.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of taking over the game situation. As shown in FIG. 4, in a virtual game device, when the game play by the player 5a ends, a priority reception period starting from the end time t2 is set. In the priority reception period, only the player who played the previous game play (final player) can play the game on the virtual game device. That is, when a play request is made by the last player in the priority reception period, the game play is started taking over the game situation at the end of the previous game play. On the other hand, when the priority acceptance period ends without the game play by the final player being started, the virtual game device becomes empty and all players can play the game.

  Further, a reset waiting period (reset time condition) starting from the game play end time t2 is set. This reset waiting period is determined as a period longer than the priority reception period and shorter than the recovery time required for increasing (recovering) one ticket. Then, when the reset waiting period ends without game play by any player being started, the game situation of the virtual game device is reset to the initial state. By setting the reset waiting period as a time longer than the priority reception period, players other than the final player can take over the game situation at the end of the last game play and start the next game play.

  The game situation in the virtual game device is disclosed so that any player can view it. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining browsing of the game situation. In the example shown in FIG. 5, in a certain virtual game device, the player 5c is playing a game, and the other player 5d is viewing the game situation.

  At this time, in the game screen W3 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5c that is playing the game, the browsing mark 36 indicating that the other player is browsing is displayed together with the browsing number 37 indicating the number of players who are browsing. Is done.

  In addition, on the browsing screen W5 displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the browsing player 5d (browsing player), a game space image 40 indicating the game status of the browsing virtual game device is displayed. The game space image 40 is a still image that is updated every predetermined time (for example, 1 minute), but may be a moving image. In addition, a reservation icon 42 for instructing reservation for the virtual game device is displayed at the bottom of the browsing screen W5. When the viewing player 5d selects the reservation icon 42 on the viewing screen W5, the viewing player 5d can make a reservation to play the game while taking over the game situation when the virtual game device becomes empty. Note that this game situation can be browsed at any time regardless of the play situation of the virtual game device such as playing or empty.

  When the reservation is made, as shown in FIG. 6, a reservation mark 38 indicating that a reservation is made by another player is displayed on the game screen W7 of the player who is playing the game in the virtual game device. A reservation number 39 indicating the number of people is displayed. This makes it possible to reproduce a situation where another player (visitor) is watching the player being played, as well as waiting for a turn (reserved), like an actual crane game device. Yes.

  When the game play in the virtual game device is completed, a game end screen W9 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the player terminal 2000 of the player 5c (final player) who performed the game play. On the game end screen W9, an image 50 of the game space at the end of the game play is displayed, and the remaining time 52 of the reset waiting period is counted down. Further, a continuous play icon 54 for instructing a subsequent game play is displayed at the bottom of the game end screen W9.

  When the continuation play icon 54 is selected on the game end time screen W9 before the reset standby time ends, that is, before the remaining time display 52 of the reset standby time becomes zero, the game situation indicated by the game space image 50, that is, immediately before The next game play is started with the game situation at the end of the game play. However, even within the reset waiting period, if the priority acceptance period has ended and game play by another player has already been started, subsequent game play cannot be performed.

  Note that the remaining time of the priority reception period may be displayed in a countdown manner on the game end screen W9. Further, the countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period may be displayed only on the player terminal 2000 of the final player. The remaining time of the priority reception time is displayed as a countdown, and the final player is worried during the countdown whether or not the game situation created by his gameplay so far can be released. become. In particular, when the browse mark 36 or the reservation icon 42 is displayed, another player is watching (the browse mark 36) or waiting in turn (the reservation icon 42). Taking this point into consideration, it is determined whether or not to continue the game play.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the priority acceptance period ends without the last player starting the next game play, the virtual game apparatus becomes empty and game play by another player is possible. In other words, when the priority reception period of the virtual game device is ended, if there is a reserved player, the game play by the reserved player is started taking over the game situation at the end of the previous game play.

  The player can freely select a virtual game device to browse. At this time, for example, a game device list screen W11 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 8, each of the prepared virtual game devices 60 is displayed in a list on the game device list screen W11 together with the current game status 62, the approximate remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period, the browsing icon 66, and the like. ing.

  The play status 62 indicates whether or not the player can play the game. For a virtual game device that has not been played by any player and is in the priority acceptance period, if the player matches the final player of the virtual game device, the game can be played and is therefore considered free. If they do not match, it is considered that the game is being played because game play is impossible.

  The remaining time 64 of the reset waiting period is displayed only for the virtual game device whose reset waiting period has not ended. For a virtual game device in which the player is the last player and the priority reception period has not ended, it may be displayed that the priority reception period is in effect.

  When the browsing icon 66 of any virtual game device 60 is selected on the game device list screen W11, a browsing screen for the virtual game device is displayed. Specifically, when another player is playing a game in the virtual game device, for example, a browsing screen W5 as shown in the lower right of FIG. 5 is displayed. Then, the viewing mark 36 is displayed on the game screen W3 of the other player who is playing the game (lower left in FIG. 5).

  If the virtual game device is within the priority acceptance period, for example, a browsing screen W13 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. In this browsing screen W13, as the current game situation of the virtual game device, the game space image 40 at the end of the previous game play is displayed together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period.

  When the reservation icon 42 is selected on the browsing screens W5 and W13 to make a reservation, as shown in FIG. 10, a reserved mark 48 indicating that the device is reserved is displayed on the browsing screen W15. A reservation cancellation icon 70 for instructing cancellation of the reservation is displayed.

  If the play status of the virtual game device is empty, for example, a browsing screen W17 shown as an example in FIG. 11 is displayed. On the browsing screen W17, a game space image 40 indicating the current game situation of the virtual game device is displayed. If it is before the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space at the end of the last game play is displayed as the game space image 40 together with the remaining time 46 of the reset waiting period. After the end of the reset waiting period, the state of the game space reset to the initial state is displayed as the game space image 40.

  In addition, a play execution icon 72 for instructing the start of game play is displayed at the bottom of the browsing screen W17. In the case of an empty virtual game device, there is no need for reservation, and by selecting this play execution icon 72, game play in the virtual game device can be started.

  At this time, if the number of tickets held by the player is “0”, as shown in FIG. 12, the play execution icon 72 is not displayed on the browsing screen W19, and the game cannot be played. In such a case, it is possible to wait for time recovery of the ticket, or to select a ticket purchase icon 74 and move to a predetermined purchase site to purchase a ticket. In addition to tickets, you can purchase various items that can be used in the game.

[Function configuration]
(A) Game server 1000
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game server 1000. According to FIG. 13, the game server 1000 is functionally configured to include an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a communication unit 130, a server processing unit 200, and a server storage unit 300.

  The operation unit 110 receives various operation inputs for managing the game server 1000 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the performed operation to the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel.

  The display unit 120 displays various display screens based on the image signal input from the server processing unit 200. This function is realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a CRT, or a projector.

  The communication unit 130 is connected to the communication line 1 and performs data communication with an external device (mainly the player terminal 2000). This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, TA, a cable cable jack, a control circuit thereof, and the like.

  The server processing unit 200 controls the operation of the game server 1000 based on programs and data read from the server storage unit 300, data received from an external device (mainly the player terminal 2000) via the communication unit 130, and the like. To control. This function is realized by a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, an arithmetic device such as an ASIC, or a control program thereof. In the present embodiment, the server processing unit 200 includes a game management unit 210, an image generation unit 230, and a communication control unit 240.

  The game management unit 210 includes a player management unit 212, a charging management unit 214, a ticket management unit 216, a virtual game device management unit 218, a game situation reset unit 220, a game play management unit 222, and a lottery control unit 224. And a browsing management unit 226 and a reservation management unit 228, which manage the execution of the crane game of this embodiment.

  The player management unit 212 performs processing related to player registration and management for enabling the game play of the present embodiment. Specifically, a process for receiving a player name, password, and the like from the player terminal 2000 and registering it as a new player, a process for managing the player management data 320 as information of these registered players, and a request from the player terminal 2000 A corresponding player authentication process is performed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the player management data 320. As shown in FIG. According to FIG. 14, the player management data 320 is generated for each registered player, and the account information 321 for authenticating the registered player and the acquired prize list 322 which is information on the prizes acquired by the game player in the game play. And the number of tickets held 323 of the player and play history data 330 are stored.

  The play history data 330 is generated for each game play performed so far, and the virtual game device No. 331, game play start date and time 332, end date and time 333, acquired premium information 334, and acquired privilege information 335 are stored. The acquired prize information 334 is information on whether or not a large prize has been acquired and the type of the acquired large prize. The acquired privilege information 335 is information on whether or not a privilege has been acquired by lottery and the type of privilege acquired.

  The billing management unit 214 performs billing processing related to payment of the purchase amount of a billing item that can be used in a game including a ticket by communicating with an external billing system. The billing process is described as billing in the real world currency, but it is needless to say that billing in the game currency (such as points) or the game site currency (billing equivalent processing) may be used.

  The ticket management unit 216 manages tickets held by registered players. Specifically, each time a game is played, one ticket is consumed (decreased) as a consideration. Each time a predetermined recovery time elapses, tickets are recovered (increased) one by one up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 5 or 20). In addition, the number of tickets held is increased in accordance with ticket purchase by billing or acquisition of tickets by using predetermined billing items.

  The virtual game device management unit 218 manages a plurality of prepared virtual game devices. Information about the virtual game device is managed as virtual game device management data 340.

  FIG. 15 is an example of the data configuration of the virtual game device management data 340. According to FIG. 15, the virtual game device management data 340 is generated for each virtual game device, and the virtual game device No. 341, crane initial setting information 342 which is information on the initial state of the game situation, prize initial arrangement position information 343, initial game space image 344, prize information 345, priority reception time 346, reset waiting time 347 , The play situation 348, the last player name 349, the last play end date and time 350, the reset flag 351 indicating whether or not the game situation is reset to the initial state, and the crane setting which is information of the current game situation Information 352, prize arrangement position information 353, a game space image 354, a viewing player list 356, and a reserved player list 358 are stored.

  The prize information 345 is information such as types and model data of prizes (large prize 14 and small prize 16) arranged in the game space. The play status 348 includes “playing” in which a game play is being performed by any player, “priority acceptance” in which a game play is not being performed but is in a priority reception period, and game play is being performed. It is either “vacant” where the priority reception period has ended.

  The browsing player list 356 is a list of players browsing the game situation in the virtual game device. There are no particular restrictions on the number of viewing players.

  The reserved player list 358 is a list of players who have reserved game play on the game device. The priority order is given to the reservation player, and in this embodiment, it is assumed that the priority order is higher in the order of the reservation date and time. In addition, although there is no particular restriction on the number of reserved players, a restriction may be provided.

  The game situation reset unit 220 sets the game situation to the initial state when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined reset waiting time from the end time of the last game play without starting game play by any player for each virtual game device. Reset.

  The lottery control unit 224 controls the lottery by the roulette 24 during the game play. More specifically, the lottery 24 lottery result (winning / losing) and lottery schedule information, which is information of a privilege acquired when winning, are generated. At this time, the winning probability for determining the lottery result is changed according to the game situation at the start of the game play. For example, in a state where the position of the large prize 14 is likely to fall close to the prize drop opening 18, the winning probability is set higher than usual. For example, the planar viewing distance (overhead viewing distance) between the center of the prize drop opening 18 and the large prize 14 or the position of the center of gravity (overhead viewing distance) satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, when the virtual distance is within 3 cm). be able to. Note that the lottery with the roulette 24 is triggered by the detection of the fallen prize by the chucker 20.

  The game play management unit 222 controls each game play on the player terminal 2000. That is, when a play request is made from the player terminal 2000, game status information including the crane setting information 352 and premium placement position information 353, which are the game status of the requested virtual game device, and lottery schedule information related to the lottery by the roulette 24 Is transmitted to the player terminal 2000. When game result information is received from the player terminal 2000, the play history data 330 (see FIG. 14) for the game play of the corresponding player is generated / updated based on the game result information, and the corresponding virtual The virtual game device management data 340 of the game device is updated.

  The browsing management unit 226 manages browsing of players in the virtual game device. Specifically, when a browsing request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a browsing player to the browsing player list 356 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be browsed. In addition, when a browsing end notification is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed. For each virtual game device, a game space image indicating the current game situation of the virtual game device is transmitted to each viewing player.

  The reservation management unit 228 manages a game play reservation of the player for the virtual game device. Specifically, when a reservation request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is added as a reserved player to the reserved player list 358 (see FIG. 15) of the virtual game device to be reserved. Further, when a reservation cancel request is made from the player terminal 2000, the corresponding player is deleted from the reserved player list 358 of the virtual game device to be canceled.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the image generation unit 230 includes, for example, a processor such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, an IC memory for a drawing frame such as a frame buffer, This is realized by an IC memory or the like used for developing the texture data. In the case where the game server 1000 provides an image to be displayed on the player terminal 2000, an image of the game screen can be generated.

  The communication control unit 240 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 130.

The server storage unit 300 stores system programs for realizing various functions for the server processing unit 200 to control the game server 1000 in an integrated manner, programs and data for realizing various functions of the present embodiment, and the like. To do. Further, it is used as a work area of the server processing unit 200, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the server processing unit 200 according to various programs, data received by the communication unit 130, and the like. This function is realized by a storage device such as various IC memories, a hard disk, a ROM, and a RAM.
In the present embodiment, the server storage unit 300 stores a system program 310, a game management program 312, player management data 320, and virtual game device management data 340.

  FIG. 16 is a functional configuration diagram of the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 16, the player terminal 2000 functionally includes an operation input unit 612, an image display unit 614, a sound output unit 616, a communication unit 618, a terminal processing unit 700, and a terminal storage unit 800. It is comprised.

  The operation input unit 612 outputs an operation input signal to the terminal processing unit 700 in accordance with various operation inputs made by the player. This function is not limited to elements that are directly operated by the player with fingers, such as button switches, joysticks, touch pads, and trackballs, as well as elements that detect movement and posture, such as acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, tilt sensors, and geomagnetic sensors. Realized. In FIG. 2, the direction input key 2002, the home key 2004, and the touch panel 2006 correspond to this.

  The terminal processing unit 700 is realized by, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or a GPU, or an electronic component such as an ASIC or IC memory, and is connected to each function unit of the player terminal 2000 including the operation input unit 612 and the terminal storage unit 800. Performs data input / output control. Then, various arithmetic processes are executed based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 612, and the like, and the operation of the player terminal 2000 is controlled. In FIG. 2, the control board 2018 corresponds to this. In addition, the terminal processing unit 700 includes a game control unit 710, an image generation unit 722, a sound generation unit 724, and a communication control unit 726.

  The game control unit 710 includes an operation signal transmission control unit 712, a game screen display control unit 714, and a game play execution unit 716, and performs various arithmetic processes for causing the computer to function as a terminal for game play. Run.

  The operation signal transmission control unit 712 executes processing for transmitting various data and request information to the game server 1000 according to the operation performed by the operation input unit 612.

  The game screen display control unit 714 performs control for displaying a game screen based on various data received from the game server 1000. For example, if the online game of the present embodiment is realized as a web game, a web technology that actively controls screen display using Java (registered trademark) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) together with HTML based on a web browser. And plug-ins such as Adobe (registered trademark) Flash. Of course, other methods may be used.

  The game play execution unit 716 controls execution of game play based on the game situation information 826 and the lottery schedule information 828 received from the game server 1000. Specifically, the crane apparatus 22 is set according to the crane setting information included in the received game situation information 826, and each prize is arranged according to the prize arrangement position information to set the game situation (configure the game space). Next, the crane device 22 is operated in accordance with an operation instruction from the player. Moreover, each prize is moved with the operation of the crane device 22.

  Then, if a prize drop is detected by the chucker 20 (specifically, if a prize passes through the detection range of the assumed chucker 20), roulette lottery processing according to the lottery schedule information 828 is performed. That is, the rotation / stop of the roulette 24 is controlled in accordance with a given lottery result, and if the lottery result is a win, a predetermined privilege is applied.

  When one game play is completed, game result information including position information of each prize, setting information of the crane device 22, and an image of the game space is generated as a game situation at the end of the game play. To 1000.

  The image generation unit 722 includes, for example, a processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and a digital signal processor (DSP), a program such as a video signal IC and a video codec, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and a texture data expansion unit. This is realized by an IC memory or the like used for the above. The image generation unit 722 generates one game screen in one frame time (for example, 1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game control unit 710, and outputs the generated game screen image signal to the image display unit 614. To do.

  The image display unit 614 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 722. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 2, the touch panel 2006 corresponds to this.

  The sound generation unit 724 is realized by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a processor such as a voice synthesis IC, an audio codec that can reproduce an audio file, and the like, and effects related to the game based on the processing result by the game screen display control unit 714. Sound signals of BGM and various operation sounds are generated and output to the sound output unit 616. The sound output unit 616 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 724. In FIG. 2, the speaker 2010 corresponds to this.

  The communication control unit 726 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 618. The communication unit 618 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. This function is realized by, for example, a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a wired communication cable jack, a control circuit, or the like. In FIG. 2, the wireless communication module 2020 corresponds to this.

  The terminal storage unit 800 stores a system program for realizing various functions for causing the terminal processing unit 700 to control the player terminal 2000 in an integrated manner, a program necessary for game play, various data, and the like. Further, it is used as a work area of the terminal processing unit 700, and temporarily stores calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 700 according to various programs, input data input from the operation input unit 612, and the like. Such a function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM or a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, or an optical disk such as a CD-ROM or DVD. In FIG. 2, the IC memory and the memory card 2032 mounted on the control board 2018 correspond to this. In the present embodiment, the terminal storage unit 800 stores a system program 810, a game client program 812, player registration information 820, the number of tickets held 822, game device list information 824, game status information 826, and a lottery schedule. Information 828 is stored.

  The system program 810 is a program for realizing basic functions of input / output as a computer of the player terminal 2000. The game client program 812 is application software for realizing a function as the game control unit 710 by being read and executed by the terminal processing unit 700, but may be configured as a part of the system program 810. good. The game client program 812 may be a dedicated client program according to a technical technique for realizing an online game, or may be configured by a web browser program, a plug-in that realizes interactive image display, and the like.

  The player registration information 820 is contents registered in the game system, and is information such as a player name and a password. The number of held tickets 822, game device list information 824, game situation information 826, and lottery schedule information 828 are temporary received data from the game server 1000. The game device list information 824 is information for displaying, for example, a game device list screen W11 shown as an example in FIG.

[Process flow]
(A) Game server 1000
FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing for managing browsing and reservation of the virtual game device, which is executed in the game server 1000.

  According to FIG. 17, when a game device list request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A1: YES), game device list information including game space images indicating the play status and current game status of each virtual game device. 824 is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A3).

  If a browsing request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A5: YES), detailed information of the requested virtual game device to be browsed is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step A7). Next, the requesting player is added as a browsing player to the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed (step A9). Further, if the play status of the virtual game device to be browsed is being played (step A11: YES), the browse status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A13).

  If a browsing end notification is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A15: YES), the transmission source player is deleted from the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device to be browsed (step A17). If the play status of the virtual game device to be browsed is being played (step A19: YES), the browsing status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A21).

  If a reservation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A23: YES), the requesting player is added as a reserved player to the reserved player list 358 of the requested virtual game device to be reserved (step A25). . Next, if the play status of the reservation target virtual game device is playing (step A27: YES), the reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A29).

  If a reservation cancellation request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A31: YES), the requesting player is deleted from the reserved player list 358 of the virtual game device subject to reservation cancellation (step A33). If the play status of the virtual game device to be reserved is being played (step A35: YES), the reservation status information is transmitted to the virtual game device (step A37).

  If a game space image (game situation) is received from the player terminal 2000 (step A39: YES), the browsing player list 356 of the virtual game device in which the transmission source player is playing the game is referred to, and the browsing player The received game space image is transmitted to each player terminal 2000 (step A41). Then, it returns to step A1 and repeats the same process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing for managing game play of the virtual game device, which is executed in the game server 1000. Although FIG. 18 shows processing for one virtual game device, similar processing is performed in parallel for all virtual game devices.

  According to FIG. 18, first, as an initial setting, the game situation of the target virtual game device is reset to an initial state (step B1). If a play request is received from the player terminal 2000 (step B3: YES), the game play management unit 222 determines whether or not the requested player can play the game.

  That is, if the virtual game device is being played by another player (step B5: NO), or if the requesting player does not have a ticket (step B7: NO), it is determined that game play is impossible, A play impossible notice is transmitted to the corresponding player terminal 2000 (step B9).

  On the other hand, if the game situation of the virtual game device is empty (step B5: YES) and the requesting player has a ticket (step B7: YES), the game play is possible, so that the requesting player's One held ticket is consumed (step B11). Then, the game situation information including the crane setting information 352 and the prize arrangement position information 353 that are the game situation of the virtual game device is generated and transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B13). In addition, assuming that the lottery control unit 224 detects the chucker 20, the lottery result by the roulette 24 is determined in advance, lottery schedule information is generated, and combined with the game situation information. The data is transmitted to the player terminal 2000.

  Thereafter, when one game play is completed at the player terminal 2000 and the transmitted play result information is received (step B15), based on the play result information, the corresponding virtual game device management data 340, The player management data 320 is updated (step B17).

  If the large prize 14 has been acquired in the game play (step B19: YES), a new large prize is arranged in the game space of the virtual game device, and the game situation is reset (step B21). Then, the process proceeds to step B3.

  If the large prize 14 has not been acquired (step B19: NO), information on the remaining time (remaining time information) of the priority reception period starting from the end of the game play and the reset waiting period is generated. Then, it is transmitted to the player terminal 2000 (step B23). If a play request from the final player is received within the priority acceptance period (step B25: NO) (step B27: YES), the process proceeds to step B5 and game play by the player is started.

  On the other hand, if the priority acceptance period ends (step B25: YES) without receiving a play request from the last player (step B27: NO), the presence / absence of a reserved player is subsequently determined. If there is a reserved player (step B29: YES), the reservation player with the highest priority is notified that the takeover play on the reserved virtual game device is possible (step B31). If a play request from a reservation player is received in response to this notification (step B33: YES), the process proceeds to step B5 and game play by the reservation player is started.

  On the other hand, if a predetermined time limit has elapsed without receiving a play request from the reserved player, or if a non-execution notification indicating that no takeover play is to be performed is received from the reserved player (step B35: YES), the reserved player Is deleted from the reserved player list 358 (step B37). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the reset waiting period has ended. If it has not ended (step B41: NO), the process returns to step B29 and the same processing is performed for the remaining reserved players.

  If there is no reserved player (step B29: NO), it waits for a play request from all players and receives a play request from any player within the reset acceptance period (step B41: NO). If so (step B39: YES), the process proceeds to step B5, and game play by the player is started. When the reset waiting period ends (step B41: YES), the game space of the virtual game device is reset to the initial state (step B43), and the process returns to step B1.

(B) Player terminal 2000
FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing in the player terminal 2000. According to FIG. 19, in the player terminal 2000, first, a virtual game device list request is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C1). Then, the game device list information transmitted from the game server 1000 is received, and a list of virtual game devices is displayed based on the received game device list information (step C3).

  Next, when a browsing instruction operation is performed by selecting one virtual game device from the list of virtual game devices displayed by the player (step C5: YES), a browsing request for the selected virtual game device is issued to the game server. 1000 (step C7). Then, the browsing information transmitted from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C9), and a game space image indicating the game situation of the virtual game device is displayed (step C11).

  When the play situation of the virtual game device is being played (step C13: “playing”), the game space image that is the latest game situation is received from the game server 1000 (step C15: YES). The display is updated to the game space image (step C17). If a reservation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C23: YES), a reservation request for the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C25). If a reservation cancellation instruction operation is performed by the player (step C27: YES), a reservation cancellation request for the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C29).

  If the browsing end instruction operation is performed by the player (step C19: YES), a browsing end notification of the virtual game device is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C21), and the process returns to step C3.

  On the other hand, when the play state of the virtual game device is empty (step C13: “empty”), the player does not have a ticket (step C31: NO), and the player performs a ticket purchase instruction operation. If it is made (step C37: YES), it moves to a predetermined purchase site and performs a ticket purchase process (step C39).

  Further, when the player holds a ticket (step C31: YES) and a play instruction operation is performed by the player (step C33: YES), a game play request in the virtual game device is sent to the game server 1000. (Step C35).

  Then, the game situation information 826 transmitted from the game server 1000 in response to this request is received (step C41), and a game play using the received game situation information 826 is started. That is, the crane apparatus 22 is set according to the crane setting information 352 included in the received game situation information 826, the prize is arranged according to the prize arrangement position information 353, and the game space is set (step C43). Next, the movement and operation of the crane device 22 in accordance with the operation instruction of the player is started (step C45), and the movement of each prize accompanying the movement of the crane device 22 is started (step C47).

  If the browsing status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C49: YES), the browsing display such as the browsing mark 36 and the browsing number 37 is updated according to the browsing status information (step C51). If the reservation status information is received from the game server 1000 (step C53: YES), the reservation display such as the reservation mark 38 and the reserved number of people 39 is updated according to the reservation status information (step C55). If the predetermined game situation notification timing is reached (step C57: YES), the current game space image is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C59).

  If the chucker 20 detects a prize falling to the prize drop opening 18 (step C61: YES), the lottery process according to the lottery schedule information 828 received together with the game status information 826 is started (step C63). If the lottery result is a win (step C65: YES), the acquired privilege is applied (step C67). Thereafter, if the game play has not ended (step C69: NO), the process returns to step C45 and the same processing is performed.

  When the game play ends (step C69: YES), in addition to the information on the arrangement position of each premium, the setting information of the crane device 22, the image of the game space, which is information indicating the game status at the end of the game play, Play result information including whether or not a prize has been acquired and whether or not a prize has been acquired by lottery is generated and transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C71).

  If no prize has been acquired in the game play (step C73: NO), the remaining time information, which is information about the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period, is transmitted from the game server 1000. Then, based on the received remaining time information, the countdown display of the remaining time of the priority reception period and the reset waiting period is started (step C77).

  Thereafter, if a play instruction operation is performed by the player (step C79: YES), a play request is transmitted to the game server 1000 (step C81), and the process proceeds to step C41.

[Function and effect]
Thus, according to the game system of the present embodiment, the next game play can be started while taking over the game situation, but only the player who performed the last game play within the priority reception period plays the game play. Can start. When the reset waiting period ends without any player playing the game, the game situation is reset.

  Further, the game situation of a virtual game device in which a certain player is playing a game can be viewed by another player, and the game play in the virtual game device can be reserved. When the game situation of the virtual game device is browsed, a browse mark 36 indicating that it is being browsed by another player is displayed on the game screen of the player who is playing the game in the virtual game device together with the number 37 of the viewing players. The In addition, when a game play is reserved in the virtual game device, a reservation mark 38 indicating that the game has been reserved for another player is displayed on the game screen of the player who is playing the game in the virtual game device together with the reserved number 39. .

  Therefore, the player can reproduce the situation like an actual crane game device, such as the presence of other players (lookers) who are watching his / her game play, or the presence of other players waiting for the turn. it can.

[Modification]
It should be noted that embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can of course be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(A) Reset waiting time The length of the reset waiting period (reset waiting time) may be changed according to the game situation at the end of the game play. For example, in the case of a game situation advantageous to the player such that the large prize 14 is close to the prize drop opening 18 and is likely to fall, a quick determination of the subsequent game play can be made by shortening the reset waiting time. The final player can be prompted. For example, when the planar view distance (overhead view distance) between the center position or the center of gravity position of the prize drop opening 18 and the large prize 14 satisfies a predetermined proximity distance condition (for example, when the virtual distance is within 3 cm), The game situation can be advantageous to the player.

(B) Recovery of the game situation after the reset The game situation is reset when the reset waiting period elapses. However, if the game play by another player has not started even after the reset, a predetermined charge is applied. Thus, it may be possible to recover the game state before the reset.

(C) Application of acquisition privilege The application of the acquisition privilege by lottery may be provided with a time limit such as being applied only to the next one game play or a time limitation of only 30 minutes. Note that these restrictions may be invalidated by resetting the game situation even if the number is less than the limit number or within the time limit.

(D) Game Device List Screen On the game device list screen W11 (see FIG. 8), as shown in FIG. 21, within the past predetermined time (for example, the past 10 minutes) for a virtual game device whose play status is “playing” It is also possible to display the total number of players 68 viewed or the total number 69 of reserved players. According to this, it is possible to know which virtual game device is in a game situation with a high degree of attention.

(E) Execution of game play In the above-described embodiment, the player terminal 2000 executes one game play. However, a so-called browser game controlled by the game server 1000 in accordance with the player's operation input at the player terminal 2000 It is also good.

(F) Type of game In the above-described embodiment, the crane game is performed. However, the game is a game that is performed by the player alone, such as a medal game device such as a pusher game, and is performed once by the player's operation. Any game can be applied as long as the game situation changes every time.

1000 game server 110 operation unit, 120 display unit, 130 communication unit 200 server processing unit 210 game management unit 212 player management unit 214 charge management unit 216 ticket management unit 218 virtual game device management unit 220 game status reset unit 222 game Play management unit, 224 lottery control unit 226 browsing management unit, 228 reservation management unit 230 image generation unit, 240 communication control unit 300 server storage unit 310 system program, 312 game management program 320 player management data, 340 virtual game device management data 2000 Player terminal 612 Operation input unit, 614 Image display unit, 616 Sound output unit, 618 Communication unit 700 Terminal processing unit 710 Game control unit 712 Operation signal transmission control unit, 714 Game screen display control unit 716 Game play Line unit 722 Image generation unit, 724 sound generation unit, 726 communication control unit 800 terminal storage unit 810 system program, 812 game client program 820 player registration information, 822 number of tickets held 824 game device list information, 826 game status information, 828 lottery Schedule information

Claims (9)

It is possible to communicate with a plurality of player terminals, change the game situation by each game play in accordance with an operation input at one player terminal, and control the execution of the game taking over the previous game situation for the next game play. A server system,
When a request for viewing the game status of the game play is received from another player during the game play of one player, the view for notifying the player terminal of the player during the game play that the view request has been made Request notification means;
Game situation disclosing means for disclosing the game situation of the one player in response to the browsing request;
Server system with The onlooker presence notification means causes the player terminal to perform display according to the number of players viewed.
The server system according to claim 1. Reservation registration means for registering a reservation for the next game play of the one player by another player while the one player is playing the game,
The server system according to claim 1, further comprising: Reservation registration notification means for notifying the one player that reservation registration by the reservation registration means has been performed;
The server system according to claim 3, further comprising: The reservation registration notifying unit causes the player terminal to display according to the number of reserved players.
The server system according to claim 4. Reservation fulfillment notifying means for notifying that the game play is possible to the player terminal of the reserved player in accordance with the registration order by the reservation registration means after the game play of the one player is completed,
The server system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, further comprising: During a given priority reception period from the game play of the one player, further comprising priority reception means for preferentially receiving a game play request by the one player,
The reservation performance notification means notifies the player terminal of the reserved player that game play is possible after the priority acceptance period has elapsed.
The server system according to claim 6. A virtual crane game or a virtual pusher game is executed as the game,
The server system as described in any one of Claims 1-7. The game execution control means causes the player terminal to execute the game.
The server system as described in any one of Claims 1-8.

Images